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We should be hearing from a lot more baseball supporters

"When I first took this job three years ago it didn't take a rocket scientist to explain how much people, especially children love to see their name in the sports section. It's a natural pleasure I can recall in my youth. But I have to admit I am a bit disappointed with the lack of youth sports' results sent to the paper.I should be getting scores and stats from the three little leagues, major and minor. With a a plethora of select baseball and fastpitch teams out there I know the second page of the sports section could be filled with baseball and fastpitch scores.Currently, you'll notice write-ups for the same five or six local teams.That's sad when I know there's at least 50 other teams in the area who have highlights to share.Obviously I can't personally cover the games because it's too voluminous. Besides, I'd get warn out by parents or managers complaining I covered one team but failed to cover them.So I leave the responsibility up to you. Do you want to see your kids' names in the paper? I bet you do. I'm hoping to see a stack of box scores on my desk Monday morning. If there is a lack of organization, contact your respective league president and work something out.One suggestion I have is to drop off all game results in a box and have someone bring the stats to the newspaper.Another suggestion is to find a volunteer within your league that would be willing to type up results and highlights and e-mail here. We also have a fax machine, so let's utilize the technology presented before us.If I get enough results, I would like to create a baseball roundup section on the front page of the sports section. Instead of reading the small agate on the second page, these games will get more exposure on the front page.I can't stress how much a name in the newspaper boosts the self-esteem of a child.Knowing that someone else is reading about youraccomplishment is obviously a rush.Whether someone hit a single or made a fine catch in the outfield, all kids' eyes light up.Let's get a positive vibe going and light up as many eyes as we can. ***After breaking my thumb as a freshman in high school I never played another baseball game.I was always an all-star up until that moment.But because I chose to travel with my family instead of play all-stars I was blacklisted by a couple of coaches and I turned to my tennis racquet.I have always regretted never playing baseball again, and I know there are others out there who also miss playing the sport.Now there is an opportunity for those 18 and older to rekindle the love for the game.An adult hardball league is being formed in Olalla and it needs more players.The goal of the league is to have 84 players, which would be enough for four teams (each team would carry 12 to 13 players).The league would include teams from Tacoma, Key Peninsula, and Port Townsend.For anyone interested in playing big league rules baseball, tryouts are being held today from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and tomorrow 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the South Kitsap Southern Little League complex in Olalla. Cost is $150.Games start June 30 and would end with a round-robin tournament Sept. 3, followed by a barbecue.***Speaking of food and the SKSLL complex, it's that time of year again for burger, hot dog, and chicken lovers to make a trip to the ultra delicious food stand.While it's easy for anybody to say they cook a mean barbecue, Glenn Payton is the man.Little League games are going on every evening and all day Saturday. So, if you want to watch a little baseball and chow down, you know where to go. "

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